Community Bulletin Board: the Sentinel (for May 12)

 

 

Eligible adult students and graduates with the potential to succeed in college can apply for the 2021 NJALL Scholarships.

 

NJALL will award two scholarships on June 18 to two adults who earned a high school diploma by attending a New Jersey adult education program to prepare for a High School Equivalency Test or Adult High School and have been accepted to/or are attending college.

 

The Scholarship NOW provides up to $1,000 per semester for full-time enrollment, (pro-rated for part-time) to a maximum of $8,000 for higher education.

 

To qualify, an applicant must be a resident of New Jersey. Scholarship applications are open to anyone regardless of gender, race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation or disabling condition.

 

The 2021 application with eligibility information is available at https://files.constantcontact.com/2333e3fb001/c398a7eb-91b8-4dfa-9f55-18a3a701099f.pdf

 

All applications must be submitted, including all required documents, postmarked no later than May 10.

 

 

 

The East Brunswick Woman’s Club will close out its club year with a meeting at 7:30 p.m. May 11 held via Zoom.

Projects for the fall and potential social activities for the summer will be discussed.

The club is open to anyone in the area.

Anyone interested in learning more about the club’s activities, becoming a member, or to join the virtual Zoom meeting contact Laura in advance of the meeting at 732-254- 5742 or Joyce at 732-822-8989.

 

Hackensack Meridian Health and the East Brunswick Public Library are teaming up to present the online program, Stroke: What You Need to Know, at noon on May 12, via Zoom.

Attendees of this program will learn about the signs, symptoms and risk factors for strokes, and what to do if someone is having one.

Registration is requested for this free program. To register, go online to www.ebpl.org/calendar, or call 732-390-6767.

This event is offered through the library’s “Just For The Health Of It” consumer health and wellness information initiative. To learn more resources offered through this program, visit www.justforthehealthofit.org

 

 

Football fans still talk about Tony Dorsett scoring the first-ever 99-yard touchdown in the history of the NFL during a broadcast of Monday Night Football. The world can thank sports statistician Steve Hirdt for confirming that fact.

Hirdt is the special guest of the East Brunswick Friends of the Library for a virtual lecture on “Sports Analytics As Seen from a Sports Data Expert” on at 7:30 p.m. May 13. He has worked his entire career at sports data companies.

Sports statistics go beyond providing information for sports broadcasting. A deeper look into these numbers affects how the game is played and the players in the game.

This program is sponsored by the East Brunswick Friends of the Library as part of their annual open spring meeting. The Friends of the Library holds several fundraising events throughout the year that benefits East Brunswick Public Library, ranging from the EB Create makerspace to the museum pass program to special events and programs like this.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is requested; to register online go to www.ebpl.org/calendar or call 732-390-6767.

 

 

Blood centers nationwide have reported declines in blood collections in recent weeks. Some have reported their lowest donor turnout in more than a year. These trends are concerning, as both patients and blood centers depend on the altruism of donors to ensure that blood is available for life-saving treatments. 

Spotswood VFW Post 4589 will hold a blood drive from 12:30-6:30 p.m. May 18 at the VFW, 33 Daniel Road, Spotswood.

Appointments recommended. Walk-ins accepted if space allows.

For an appointment, go to https://nybc.org/newjerseydrive using sponsor code 13807; or call 800-933-2566.

Eat, drink and bring a donor ID card or ID with name and photo.

Donors 76 and over need a doctor’s note unless one is already on file.

There is no waiting period after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine as long as health is well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United Way of Central Jersey is continuing to provide VITA services to prepare taxes this season for individuals and families making $65,000 or less.

All taxes will be prepared remotely via video conferencing and/or phone.

To schedule an appointment, visit https://uwcjtaxprep.as.me/schedule.php

For VITA Lockbox locations, visit https://tinyurl.com/VITALockbox

To prepare your own taxes for free, visit www.myfreetaxes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The East Brunswick Library announced the return of its annual short story contest in celebration of National Short Story Month.

The “73 Words in the 732” contest seeks original short stories that contain 73 words or fewer.

Stories can be on any theme or topic, and a panel of library staff will select the best short stories, which will appear on the library’s website.

All ages are welcome to participate and East Brunswick residency is not required.

Contributors must submit their stories online at www.ebpl.org by May 24.

 

 

 

 

 

Applications for the 2021-22 East Brunswick High School Bears and Cubs Preschool Program are available online at www.ebnet.org/preschool 

This program is free to East Brunswick residents. 

The Bears and Cubs Preschool is an elective for high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers involving children. The high school students plan and execute a developmentally appropriate curriculum lesson for the whole preschool class or their specific preschooler under the supervision of a certified teacher.

Prior to the preschool students’ arrival, the high school students learn about child development, teaching methods, how to conduct an observation, appropriate lesson planning as well as routines that are needed to work with preschool-aged children.

Applications must be returned by May 20. Notification of acceptance will be sent to parents by the end of June.

The first day of school will be in late October; the date is yet to be determined.

This free program operates three days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday). There is one session in the morning from 8-10 a.m. The child must be 3 years old as of Oct. 31, 2021, and no older than 4 years, 8 months. The child must be toilet trained and up-to-date with all immunizations.

For further information, refer to www.ebnet.org/preschool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Women Aware invites the Middlesex County community to join a virtual conversation with Rachel Snyder, author of “No Visible Bruises: What We Don’t Know About Domestic Violence Can Kill Us” at 7 p.m. May 25.

An award-winning journalist, Snyder explores the real roots of private violence, its far-reaching consequences and what it will take to truly address it.

This is a fundraiser with proceeds benefitting Women Aware’s comprehensive services for individuals and families affected by domestic violence in Middlesex County.

To register, visit https://givebutter.com/WomenAwarePresents

 

 

 

NAMI New Jersey will hold its virtual annual meeting and conference from 6-8 p.m. June 18 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 19. Meeting times are tentative.

The meeting will recognize the efforts of mental health advocates to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. These awards are presented to affiliate leaders, individuals and families affected by mental illness, community leaders, mental health service providers, law enforcement officers, educators, legislators and media.

The theme is “Growing Through Adversity, Embracing Resilience.”

Registration information will be released.

For more information, visit naminj.org

 

 

The East Brunswick Public School District Community Programs Department again is offering the Early Learning Academy preschool classes.

This parent-pay program is for 3- and 4-year-old children residing in East Brunswick and surrounding areas.

To be eligible for the 2021-22 school year, children must be 3 years of age by Oct. 31, 2021, and not age-eligible for kindergarten (5 years of age by Oct. 31, 2021).

Children must be toilet trained.

The curriculum design and implementation is based on the New Jersey Department of Education’s Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and the Preschool Implementation Guidelines. Certified supervisors with expertise in the field of early childhood and school readiness oversee the planning and preparation for the program.

The program provides parents the opportunity to register their child for a five-day/week developmentally appropriate learning experience within the school district.

This tuition-based program is five days per week. Half-day (a.m. or p.m.), mid-day extension, and full-day including early morning and/or after school care are available.

The program is located in a designated section in the Hammarskjold Middle School, with  security and its own designated pick-up and drop-off doors.

Transportation for this program is the responsibility of the parent/guardian.

Visit www.ebnet.org/ela for full registration instructions, including fees and all required forms. 

A non-refundable registration fee plus the first month’s tuition must be received to reserve a spot in the program. Credit card payments are accepted (Visa, MasterCard, or Discover) as well as via e-check.

For more information or questions regarding the registration process, curriculum and program content information, email commprog@ebnet.org or call 732-613-6629.

Enrollment for the current school year is still being accepted for the in-person 5 day per week half and full day programs. Visit www.ebnet.org/ela  

For summer, in-person 3- or 6-week programs (half and full day), visit www.ebnet.org/elasummer.

 

 

The East Brunswick Public School District Community Programs Department is again offering summer in-person Kindergarten Readiness Academy and Summer Early Learning Academy programs to all East Brunswick residents, as well as surrounding communities.

The Kindergarten Readiness Academy is designed to provide students entering kindergarten with continued quality programming prior to kindergarten. Participation in this program will focus on essential kindergarten readiness skills, therefore providing a head start for all participants. These essential kindergarten skills are aligned with the East Brunswick Kindergarten curriculum.

Additionally, the program enables us to provide comprehensive transition information for children to their Kindergarten teacher.

The Summer Early Learning Academy will offer a fun-filled summer care program for 3- and 4-year olds who will not be entering Kindergarten in September 2021. Activities and themes are designed to promote children’s social and cognitive development.

Both programs will also concentrate on closing the learning gap that research shows traditionally occurs over summer months. They will provide your child a summer of fun including Science, Carnival, Olympic and Ocean-themed weeks, plus more. Kindergarten

Readiness Academy and Summer Early Learning Academy will have full- and half-day programs, running from June 28 to Aug. 10, with the option to attend three weeks, or all six weeks.

Visit www.ebnet.org/elasummer for registration instructions and program details.

 

 

North Brunswick PBA Local 160 announced the return of its annual Cops & Rodders Car Show for Sept. 19. Rain date will be Sept. 26.

More details will be announced.

For more information, email carshow@nbtpba160.com

 

 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness will hold its 2021 walk, NAMIWalks NJ Your Way: A United Day of Hope, virtually on Oct. 9

For more information, visit namiwalks.org/newjersey

 

 

 

Ongoing

 

 

Camp Middlesex, a summer enrichment program for children age 7-15, will return for the summer.

Camp runs from June 28 to Aug. 20 at the college’s Edison campus. 

While most programs will be in person, there is also a virtual component for those who prefer that option.

Each week, children choose a program that combines two classes, which have been paired together to create an all-day experience in areas such as sports, crafts, STEM, Super Science for Kids, computers and theater. 

There is also an option to take classes in a “virtual Live” setting, in which campers sign up and participate at a set time from their home computers. These include cupcake making, drawing, genealogy, poetry and painting. 

The new theater camp will run both morning and afternoon, and is centered on musical theater. 

For those students interested in science, math and technology, Camp Middlesex offers Black Rocket courses, which run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They include Minecraft Designers, eSports, Creating Video Games, Virtual Reality, Robotics, and many others. These classes are run on-site, but there is also a virtual option, in which campers can participate from home. 

For more information, visit middlesexcc.edu/Camp-Middlesex or call 732-906-2556. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Jersey State Association of American Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) COVID Crisis Fund is supporting the rising demand for medical oxygen for hospitals in India.

Make a check payable to AAPI and mail to Dr. Binod Sinha, 4 Progress St., Suite A9, Edison 08820.

Or, visit https://njstateaapi.org/donation-for-medical-oxygen-to-india/ to donate online.

 

 

 

The Monroe Township Public Library will now be open on Sundays.

The library is open to the public Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Monroe Township Public Library building is open for Grab & Go Service. Library patrons may enter the building, look for an item and check it out, make a photocopy, reserve an item, etc.

All patrons and staff are required to wear masks and observe social distancing of at least six feet at all times while in the library building. Temperature checks take place at the entrance before entry into the Library. Capacity is monitored by library staff. Patrons are encouraged to use hand sanitizer prior to entering the building and after touching library materials and surfaces.

Seating remains unavailable at this time.

Self-checkout is encouraged.

Curbside pickup service is available by appointment at the drive-thru window. Place items on hold with a library card and pick them up when they’re ready. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday. Schedule an appointment at www.monroetwplibrary.org/curbside or by calling 732-521-5000.

The Monroe Township Library is not yet holding programs indoors, but will begin to offer some in-person programs outside on the library grounds. All CDC recommendations will be observed, including masks and social distancing. Registration is required for in-person programs. In the event of inclement weather, some programs will be held virtually only and others will be rescheduled.

Read the descriptions for each event at www.monroetwplibrary.org/calendar

 

 

 

 

Saint Peter’s University Hospital in New Brunswick has launched the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group for families who are coping with loss due to addiction.

The free and confidential support group meets virtually on the second Thursday of every month from 7-8:30 p.m.

Inspired by Saint Peter’s Opioid Task Force, the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group is for families and close loved ones of people who have passed away from addiction.

The support group is open to everyone in New Jersey and serves as a safe space for families to discuss their grief.

To join the Substance Abuse and Addiction Loss Support Group, call Jeanne Delacruz, a social worker at Saint Peter’s who facilitates the support group, at 732-745-8522 or email jdanyus@saintpetersuh.com

 

 

 

 

 

The Lost Souls Memorial Project (LSP) is releasing the official Request for Design Proposals (RFP), seeking design teams to submit their ideas about what the future Lost Souls memorial will be in East Brunswick.

The LSP seeks to create a permanent memorial to 137 African Americans who, in 1818, were stolen from New Jersey and transported to the Deep South to be sold into permanent slavery. Jacob Van Wickle, a corrupt Middlesex County judge, organized an extensive ring that included members of his family as well as highly placed members of the New Jersey elite. The state was phasing out slavery at the time, and under the state’s gradual emancipation laws no slave could be sent out of state without having given formal legal consent. The judge and his ring used deception, fakery and outright kidnapping of both free and enslaved people, who were held under guard in his home in what is now East Brunswick, New Jersey. They were sent on ships from Perth Amboy to Louisiana and Mississippi, many ending on the plantation owned by Van Wickle’s brother-in-law. Had they remained in New Jersey, they would in time have become free according to the state’s laws.

Outrage when the ring was discovered led to a few indictments, but Van Wickle was never brought to account, and the affair was forgotten.

The purpose of the Lost Souls Public Memorial is to ensure that these children, women and men are never again forgotten, and this horrific event be brought to light.

The New Brunswick NAACP, the New Jersey Chapter ​of the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society, and The Unitarian Society, as well as other community groups and individuals, are working to bring this project to life.

For more information about the project, and to access the RFP, visit lostsoulsmemorialnj.org.

 

 

The Monroe Township Police Department created a new Facebook page and Instagram account in 2020.

In an effort to reach more residents, the department created a new Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MonroePoliceNJ

The department’s Instagram account is www.instagram.com/MonroePoliceNJ/

The Facebook page is www.facebook.com/MonroePoliceNJ/

For more information, visit the department’s website at www.monroetwppolice.org/

 

 

The South River Police Department responds to emergency and non-emergency calls at businesses 24 hours a day. Occasionally, it becomes necessary to contact someone from the business outside of business hours. To assist police with having this information available when needed, the department maintains a database containing after hours contact phone numbers for business owners and representatives.

Anytime a new business is opened, business ownership is transferred, there are changes in employment status of listed contacts, or there are changes in positions or job titles of listed contacts, a business should be registered – but registration is 100% voluntary.

Information will be stored in a secure database. In the event it is deemed necessary by first responders on scene, the Communications Center can access the information and quickly reach a business owner or representative.

To register a business, visit southriverpd.org/business-registration and download the business registration form. The completed form can be submitted by emailing it to adehanes@southriverpd.org, faxing it to 732-613-6103, or dropping it off at headquarters, 61 Main St., South River.

For more information on registering an alarm, call 732-257-1999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central Jersey SCORE, a non-profit resource partner of the Small Business Administration, is looking for volunteers to assist people looking to start a business or grow an existing small business.

The organization is recruiting business owners and executives, both current and retired, who want to share their experience and knowledge with today’s up-and-coming entrepreneurs.

The Central Jersey Chapter of SCORE serves Middlesex, Somerset and Hunterdon counties.

Central Jersey SCORE provides in-person mentoring and webinars, both offered virtually in line with current pandemic restrictions. In addition, the SCORE website offers tools and templates on a wide variety of topics and numerous online courses and webinars to assist small business owners through every aspect of business development and management. Services are offered free of charge.

Anyone interested in volunteering with SCORE or seeking additional information should email marcia.glatman@scorevolunteer.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Jewish Family Services Food Pantry needs volunteers to organize its food pantry and supply closet, located at 1600 Perrineville Road, Monroe.

 

 

Monroe Township residents can apply for current and future openings on township boards, commissions and advisory councils.

Monroe is accepting volunteer applications for appointments to the Americans with Disabilities Act Committee, Affordable Housing Board, Commission on Aging, Cultural Arts Commission, Environmental Commission, Historic Preservation Commission, Human Relations Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Open Space & Farmland Preservation Commission, Planning Board, Recreation Advisory Board, Shade Tree Commission, Sustainable Jersey – Green Team Advisory Committee, Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Residents should visit https://monroetwp.com/index.php/boards-commissions and select from a list of boards and commissions to review full descriptions of each group.

They then can send the downloadable form located at the bottom of the boards and commissions page of the website for their area of interest.

Submissions may be sent to the Municipal Clerk by mail at the Administrative Offices, by email at preid@monroetwp.com, or by fax to 732-521-3190.

All submissions will be retained for a maximum period of one year from the date of filing.

 

 

Volunteer vaccinators may be needed in Middlesex County and at other vaccination sites.

Licensed nurses, doctors and medical professionals who are willing to volunteer should email their name, address, phone number and license information to Lt. Jangols of the Monroe Township Police Department at sjangols@monroetwppolice.org

 

 

 

 

 

Gain stability from an in-demand occupation; apply for a Women’s Center career training grant from Jewish Family Services of Middlesex County.

Qualified persons who are active members of the JFS Women’s Center must submit an application and attend an interview. Grants are available for short-term training programs for in-demand jobs.

Eligible candidates must qualify as a “displaced homemaker,” a woman who is a single mother, divorced, separated, widowed, or living with a disabled spouse/partner.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, email womenscenter@jfsmiddlesex.org

 

 

 

 

French American School Princeton (FASP) is accepting enrollment.

At FASP, students in preschool (3 years old) through grade 8 benefit from a rigorous bilingual curriculum accredited by the Middle State Association Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools and the French Ministry of Education; personalized attention thanks to small class sizes; and a multicultural community with more than 30 nationalities represented.

FAPS is located at 75 Mapleton Road, Princeton.

Visit ecoleprinceton.org, call 609-430-3001 or email admissions@ecoleprinceton.org.

 

 

NAMI In Our Own Voice (NAMI En Nuestra Propia Voz) is a program by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) New Jersey chapter geared toward community education and reducing the stigma of mental health, as trained volunteers share their lived experience of mental health recovery.

To schedule a presentation at a school, PTA meeting, congregation, town hall, support group or professional training, email ioov@naminj.org

Presentations are available in English and Spanish.

 

 

To document the experiences of the community while living through the COVID-19 pandemic, the East Brunswick Public Library has been collecting submissions to a COVID-19 Community Time Capsule.

The time capsule can be viewed online at www.ebpl.org/history

The library is still taking submissions at this time.

 

 

The Community Pet Food Bank by New Beginnings Animal Rescue is open from 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, with varying hours on Saturdays, on the grounds of Nativity Lutheran Church, 552 Ryders Lane, East Brunswick.

For more information, visit nbarnj.org

 

The Jamesburg Public Library will hold its board meetings on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

These meetings are open to the public, and will take place on Zoom for the remainder of the year.

Visit jamesburglibrary.org or www.facebook.com/JamesburgLibrary/ for further information.

Each meeting will have a different Zoom link and passcode

 

The East Brunswick Recreation, Parks & Community Services Department is collecting non-perishable food, cash and gift cards for distribution to Aldersgate Community Outreach Center.

Drop off food in the back of the box truck parked in the parking lot, 334 Dunhams Corner Road; the door is kept down so lift it to put donations inside.

Or, drop cash/check/gift cards in an envelope and put in the drop box next to the front door to the Recreation Department.

 

 

Raritan Valley YMCA is encouraging residents to #StayWithUs during this time, in particular by visiting the Y’s Facebook page for virtual events, programs and classes.

Adult programs include group fitness classes provided by Y360, Les Mills and from Y instructors. Programs and classes will be updated on a week-to-week basis. The ZOOM app is required; email lramos@raritanvalleyymca.org for log-in details.

The Facebook page also features live story time and creative arts with Ms. Preeti and Ms. Brenda.

Details Camp Yomeca day camp are available on the website. Online registration is open.

For more information, visit raritanvalleyymca.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The East Brunswick Domestic Response Team is seeking volunteers.

Citizens are trained to respond to local police departments on an on-call basis to provide support and information to victims of domestic abuse.

For more information, email domesticviolence@ebpd.net.

 

 

 

The Korean War/Defense Veterans Association Central Jersey Chapter No. 148 extends an invitation to any veterans, regardless of branch of service, who served during the war from June 25, 1950, to July 27, 1953, in any location, including Europe, or who have served in Korea from July 27, 1953, through the present.

The group meets at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of every month —except January through April — at the Monroe Township Municipal Building, 1 Municipal Plaza.

Membership dues are $25 to the Korean War Veterans Association and $10 chapter fee per year.

The chapter is involved in various functions during the year, including parades, flag raisings, visiting the Korean War Memorial in Atlantic City, etc.

For more information, contact Charles Koppelman at 609-655-3111 or kwvanj@yahoo.com.

 

 

Dove Hospice Services of New Jersey seeks compassionate volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families.

Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes, which can also be nursing facilities or assisted living facilities, at least once a week. They read to the patient, reminisce about their lives, play cards, help with letter writing and provide respite for caregivers.

Visits can be virtual, and are either during the day or early evening.

Volunteers may also assist with administrative work within the hospice office.

Patient care volunteers complete an application and attend a virtual volunteer training program that covers the role of a hospice volunteer. Day and evening virtual training programs are offered.

To sign up for the next virtual training class, contact Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Adams at 732-405-3035 or email deborah@dovehs.com.